Many fall fashions look great on the runway, but do not work in the real world. That giant cocoon of a cashmere coat will not only set you back a few thousand dollars, it might also elicit some stares in the grocery store. While you might not want to dress like something straight from a fall fashion week runway, there are ways you can incorporate this year’s fall fashions into your everyday wardrobe. Color, cut, and details allow you to incorporate trendy pieces with what you already own and look up to the minute everywhere you go.

New Fall ColorsOne trend that changes every season is color. While fall fashion colors are typically more muted than their vibrant spring and summer cousins, this does not mean that you are limited to boring browns and grays. This season’s hottest color is actually a distinctive cobalt blue. Seen all over the runways, this color can be worn as a cobalt blue dress, or a cobalt blue bag that teams well with neutrals.

Other popular fall fashion colors include a spicy chili pepper red and a yellow with a slight mustard tinge. Purple wine and a dusky gray-violet add richness to any wardrobe and pair well with brown or black. Greens were visible on the runways for fall, varying from blue-gray shale to a more yellowy moss green. Turquoise joined cobalt as a popular shade of blue, but this time around it is less bright with a deeper intensity. If you are looking for something different in your fall wardrobe, there is earthy burnt ochre that will add an orange pop of color to any outfit.

What To Buy Adding some of the more accessible fall fashion pieces to your existing wardrobe is a great way to update your look. Here are the top 20 tips for adding some fall style to your life:

1. Update your shoes. High, stacked-heel oxfords go well with pencil skirts and wide-legged pants. A pair of shoes with contrasting colors is particularly current.2. Go vintage. Art deco jewelry, whether vintage or reproduction, is a great way to add sparkle to your look.3. A new coat. Short-sleeved wool coats look current, particularly in one of the new fall colors. Just make sure the long sleeved shirt you wear underneath is worthy of the show.4. Be streetwise. Tops, skirts, and accessories with the streetwise style of zippers, buckles and studs were all over the runways.5. A new bag. This does not have to be the “it’ bag of the season, but a frame purse in a bold color is a great investment to set off a neutral outfit.6. Flashy patterns. Patterned metallics in faux python or crocodile are all over purses, belts, and shoes.7. Quilting. It’s not just for vests anymore. Quilted fabrics are showing up on purses and shoes as well as warm, downy jackets.8. Go for the details. A sweater with surprising details like pleats, ties, or ruffles makes any outfit more modern.

9. Take it higher. High waist trousers, jeans, and skirts are in direct opposition to previous season’s low riders. Several designers showed sailor-inspired, high waisted pants on their runways.10. Block it. Many designers showed color-blocked patterns in the new fall fashion colors. Consider a dress, sweater, or bag to update your wardrobe.11. Sparkle and shine. Add sparkle to an outfit with a tank or jacket embellished with sequins or beading.12. Unexpected pairs. Pair jeans with a pretty, ruffled top for a new take on casual fall fashion.13. Back to the future. Geometric, 60s inspired prints are new again. If you are bold, get a geometric print shirt. If you are more reserved, a print top will add a modern touch to your wardrobe.14. Belt it. Belts were popular on the fall fashion runways, topping everything from jackets to skirts. It can be thick and loaded with buckles, or a skinny piece of patent leather, but a good belt will accentuate your waist and show off your curves.15. Thin is still in. A pencil skirt, particularly one with a high waist, is still office appropriate.16. Go bigger. Many designers were turning their backs on skinny pants in favor of wide legged, higher waisted versions.17. Mix it up. Mix patterns such as stripes and plaids. Just make sure it is all in the same color family.18. Big and small. Full skirts are in this season. Pair them with trim jackets or tops for the most modern look.19. Pop it. Pair neutrals with one piece of an unexpected color such as yellow or orange.20. Balance. Give a feminine outfit a twist with menswear-inspired shoes.

Classic Wardrobe Must-HavesNow that you know what is in fashion for fall, do you have the classic staples to go with those newer, trendier items? Every woman’s wardrobe should contain a base wardrobe that is made up of high quality classics that will remain fashionable every season. These items include:

A black pantsuit - This go-to suit for interviews can be updated with a more modern blouse, shoes, or accessories. Extra points if it includes a matching skirt.A white shirt - The timeless white shirt goes with everything from a pencil skirt to jeans. Get one in a high-quality fabric that fits your body perfectly and it will never be out of style.A fitted jacket - This can be made out of simple materials, or in a more daring fabric such as tweed, leather, or velvet. Great with jeans or office-appropriate with pants.A wrap - Not necessarily the pashmina of season’s past, but a good wrap in soft wool or cashmere can dress up any outfit and double as a blanket while traveling.Menswear-inspired pants - Tweed or pinstripe pants cut with a wide leg are authoritative and sexy at the same time.

Tall boots. A go-with-everything pair of tall boots can take you right through to spring. Get a pair with a slight heel that will look great with wide pants or a long skirt.-Sheath dress. Dress it up or down, a sheath dress in a neutral color can see you through many last-minute engagements.-Leather tote. A good leather tote will hold the umbrellas and scarves that come with colder weather yet will never be out of style.-Overcoat. A good, timeless overcoat will go to the opera and to the park in style.-Pearls. Never underestimate the value of a good strand of pearls.

Fall fashion isn’t just about what is on the runway, it is about what fits into your life. Take cues from the designers and incorporate pieces into your wardrobe that will make you feel fashionable without breaking the bank. As long as you have classic staple items in your closet, you can afford to mix in some fall fashion trends. A few fun pieces might not be in style next year, but if they make you feel good during dark, colder weather, then they are worth every penny.

What’s Your Fashion Personality?Do clothes make the woman or does the woman make the clothes? Whether you love to sew your own threads or prefer to browse Rodeo Drive, your wardrobe reflects your personality. Find out what your clothes are saying about you with our fashion quiz.